| Office of Mississippi Central Railroad Company |
| Canton, January 21st 1864 |
| |
|
Lieut Genl L. Polk |
| Maj Genl W M Loring |
| Maj Genl S D. Lee |
| Maj Genl N. B. Forrest |
| |
| General, |
| I have received a copy of an order issued
by the Quarter Master General wherein he requires all Rail Road
Companies to receipt for all Government freights, and to be held
responsible for its safe delivery. In the event of a failure or refusal
on the part of the Railroad Companies to do this the Auditing officer is
directed to reject their vouchers and no allowance to be made themfor.
While I do not question the property of such General order there are
cases when it cannot be complied with such as the case with this
Company. Our few remaining cars are in a dilapidated condition, much of
our depots are destroyed, we have no safe place for the deposit of
freights our cars cannot be repaired for want of mechanics and
materials, and if repaired we have no locks to fasten them. |
| Under these circumstances should I receipt
for Government freight without the means of protecting it, the expenses
to the Company for lost freight might be four times the amount of
transportation. |
| For these and other reasons that could be
presented, if the order of the Q. M. General is adhered to, duty to the
Company I represent will compel me to refuse to transport Government
freight without the charges therefor being first paid. In other words I
shall be compelled to place the Government on the same footing as
individuals. |
| I dislike to do anything that shall even
seem to impede the operations or movements of the army, or in the
procurement of supplies for it. It is for now agreeable to my wishes and
feelings to aid the Government by every means in my power, but I am left
with no alternative. |
| I feel it due to you and to myself to give
you timely notice of my intention to arrange payment on all Government
freight, unless the order above referred to is rescinded as far as this
Company is concerned. |
| Yours Respectfully |
| W Goodman Prest. |